AIARE 1: Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding

(American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education) Level 1 Avalanche Safety Courses teach back country travel with a clear understanding of the current avalanche hazards and communication. Our instructors continue with lessons in terrain selection, travel techniques, basic field based decision making processes, and make sure everyone leaves the course with the companion rescue techniques required to recover your partner. This course is designed for all types of backcountry travelers, snowshoers, backcountry skiers, snowboarders, and mountaineers.

Activity Notes

The Mazamas is excited to partner with Wylark Mountaineering to offer AIARE 1, the industry standard in avalanche education. Two trusted names in Northwest mountain education have teamed up to bring this nationally recognized certification to Mazama members and the community.

The 24-hour course unfolds over three days: 8 hours of self-paced online coursework, followed by 16 hours of hands-on field training with your instructor team. You'll stay at the rustic Mazama Lodge on Mt. Hood for the weekend, with time between field sessions to plan tours by the fire with a hot chocolate in hand. Two nights of lodging and most meals are included, so you can focus on the material, dig into debriefs, and connect with your cohort. Avalanche equipment loans are provided at no extra cost.

Who should take this course?

This course is designed for skiers and splitboarders who want to build real competence in avalanche terrain before heading out this season. What you'll walk away with:

Skills to plan and execute a safe backcountry outing, from trip prep to trailhead
Practical, field-tested decision-making frameworks for navigating avalanche terrain
Hands-on companion rescue training

What’s Included

This course includes:

Online curriculum access
2 days of field instruction
AIARE Field Book
2 nights overnight lodging at the Mazama Lodge (Friday + Saturday night)
2 Breakfast and coffee (Saturday + Sunday)
1 Dinner (Saturday)
Optional gear loan: transceiver, shovel, probe

Note: Price does not include lunch, snacks, or personal gear such as skis or snowshoes. Participants should plan to bring their own bedding (sleeping bags, etc.) for an overnight stay at the lodge.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites to taking the AIARE 1. We ask participants to be familiar with their gear and able to effectively manage movement in their preferred mode of travel.

See Wylark Mountaineering’s Course Information page for more details.

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